After 160 years of races, the Deepwater Race Meeting is known for three things: Good country racing, good country partying, and good country community spirit.
Early on two festively-dressed gentlemen walk into the P&C canteen at 10:45am to make a plea to the lunch ladies: “The bar doesn’t open until 11! Got any cold tins back there?”
People travelled from all around to be a part of the 160th anniversary race. Dan Gaudron and friends voyaged from Grafton and Tamworth with their 20 car convoy for the festival, saying “We’re here for a good time, not a long time.”
Dan Gaudron (centre) and friends convoyed from all over NSW to be at Deepwater “for a good time”. (Jim A. Barker; New England Times)
For a tenner racegoers can set up a 3m2 marquee next to the track, guaranteeing a shaded spot close to the action. Others opt to take their chances in the heritage-listed grandstand overlooking the finish line.
“That grandstand survived Cyclone Audrey in ‘64,” says Deepwater Jockey Club President John Newsome.
“In 160 years we’ve seen a lot here. Massive works on and around the track, stables and stalls. We’re a good bush country meeting and we pull the crowds in through that gate year after year.”
The heritage-listed Deepwater Turf Club grandstand. (Jim A. Barker; New England Times)
Newsome continued: “We’re expecting between 2,500 – 3,000 punters here today.”
Community spirit was in full swing as fully half the food & drink vendors on the day belonged to local charities and nonprofits, ensuring racegoers got their fill without breaking the bank while profits went to good causes.
Local Member for New England Barnaby Joyce was found rubbing elbows in the TAB tent as country music played over the loudspeakers. Bookies yell over the crowds, open bags at their waists, cycling bets at pace.
“What I really like about [the Deepwater races] is the number of people you find here from far away or interstate,” Mr Joyce said.
“Not only the locals but others want to experience the country; It just so happens that in the background there’s a horse race.”
“When they go home again, they can tell those people about country issues, which – to be frank – gives us more impetus on a political level.”
The first race of the day was a false start as horse She Means Well bolted before it could be loaded into the barriers. Ultimately, the first race was won by hobbyist trainer Danni Schreck out of Inverell.
John Newsome, president Deepwater Jockey Club (L) with Race 1 winner trainer Danni Schreck (C) alongside race sponsor Heath Hayward of Emmaville’s Club Hotel. (Jim A. Barker; New England Times)
Race days are a chance for the ladies to don their best dress and fascinator, and the men their best gingham check and truckers cap. Fashions on the Field was a standout of the day, with more than fifty entrants lining up to preen for judge Brendan Moylan, his first time in the role since taking the position of Member for Northern Tablelands.
Fashions on the Field is the most popular, non-horse event of the Deepwater Races. (Jim A. Barker; New England Times)
The day didn’t end when the races were run. Local outfit the Karma Cowboys rounded out the day with their signature brand of music, keeping racegoers dancing until well after dark.
What does the turf club president think of the organisation’s next 160 years? Newsome laughs and says “I’ll probably last the next ten years, then I’ll hand it off to someone younger.”
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